Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Perfect for weeknights or even special occasions, this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a great option when you want something quick and nutritious. The simple blend of lemon butter sauce, garlic, and a touch of parsley makes for a delicious salmon dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time, making this the perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner.
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Why I Love This Recipe
This Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter is not only a crowd-pleaser—it's also so easy to make with great flavor and easy clean-up! Out-of-the-norm salmon flavor variations are not always the most popular, but butter and garlic go so well with seafood, especially salmon.
The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, all of which are usually already in everyone's kitchen! I love how the melted butter soaks into the salmon, making it so juicy and flavorful. The garlic is easy to substitute for garlic powder if you don’t have fresh on hand or just don't feel like chopping.
The lemon flavor gives it a pop of citrus that is just deliciously perfect. Top with any fresh herbs, and it’s so bright. I also love serving this with anything; it is so versatile. Think pasta, rice, roasted veggies, on a salad… the opportunities are endless!
Jazz's Recommended Products
For the best results with your air fryer salmon recipes, I recommend these top-notch kitchen essentials:
Our Place Wonder Oven Air Fryer: This versatile air fryer ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Our Place Perfect Pot: Ideal for making delicious sides to accompany your salmon dishes.
What to Serve This Salmon With
Pair your delicious lemon garlic butter salmon with these fantastic side dishes:
Smashed Potatoes: Crispy and golden, these smashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment.
Fluffy Rice: Learn how to make perfectly fluffy rice to complement your salmon.
Green Goddess Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad that pairs beautifully with salmon.
Sweet Potato Fries: These air-fried sweet potato fries are a healthy and tasty side.
Thanksgiving Fall Salad: A hearty and flavorful salad that’s perfect any time of the year.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Ingredients
2 salmon filets
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 cloves of garlic, or 1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp lemon zest
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 tsp salt
Parsley (optional to finish)
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This mixture will serve as your flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.
Pat the Salmon Dry: Using a paper towel, pat the salmon filets dry to ensure they soak up the marinade effectively. This step is crucial for getting that deliciously tender salmon.
Marinate the Salmon: Gently pour the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce over each salmon fillet, ensuring they're well coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Once ready, place the salmon fillets inside the air fryer basket and let them cook for about 10 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 145°F for the perfect flakiness.
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the air fryer and place them on serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Jazz's Tips & Tricks
Butter: Lightly melt the butter before adding it to your mixture. This ensures a smoother sauce or marinade to lavish over your salmon.
Garlic: If you are using fresh garlic, use a microplane for a fine grate. In a pinch? Swap fresh garlic for garlic powder.
Lemon Zest: Using the same microplane, zest the lemon—focus on the vibrant outer layer and avoid the white rind to prevent bitterness. Adjust the lemon juice and zest quantity to your taste preference.
Seasonings: Customize with your choice of seasonings: paprika, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, or even Italian seasoning. A final touch of flaky sea salt and fresh herbs can amplify the flavors.
Cook Time: Adjust cooking times based on the salmon filet size. Larger filets need more time. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
Storage: To maintain the freshness and flavor of your cooked salmon, storing it in an airtight container is recommended. This will help prevent it from absorbing any other odors or flavors from your refrigerator. When stored properly, you can enjoy the salmon for up to 24 hours post-cooking.
Try My Other Salmon Recipes!
If you enjoyed this air fryer lemon garlic salmon recipe, you’ll love these other delicious salmon dishes I’ve shared:
Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Salmon Bites
These crispy salmon bites are coated with a Parmesan crust and air-fried to perfection. They make a fantastic appetizer or a tasty snack!Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
This recipe features a sweet and savory garlic brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, making for a mouthwatering main course.Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
A complete meal in a bowl with tender salmon coated in homemade teriyaki sauce, served with rice and vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of flavors!Copycat Gordon Ramsay’s Pan-Seared Salmon
Recreate Gordon Ramsay’s famous pan-seared salmon at home with this easy recipe. It’s elegant and packed with flavor.Baked Spicy Salmon Sushi Cups
These spicy salmon sushi cups are baked to crispy perfection and are a fun twist on traditional sushi. Perfect for a unique and tasty appetizer.
FAQ
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The lemon garlic butter salmon only takes about 10 minutes to cook. It's super quick and easy! The prep time is only 5 minutes so that you can have a delicious and nutritious meal on the table in no time. This method of cooking salmon ensures a perfect, flavorful result every time.
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Roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, steamed broccoli, and sautéed spinach are just a few ways you can incorporate your greens into this recipe. Additionally, consider trying roasted Brussels sprouts, buttered green beans, or a light cucumber salad to elevate your meal further. These veggies not only complement the rich flavors of the salmon but also provide a balanced and satisfying plate.
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No oven or sheet pan is required to make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. In this recipe, we actually use an air fryer to cook the salmon; it's not baked! The air fryer cooks the salmon quickly and evenly, giving it a delicious crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and softened.
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To store leftovers, let the salmon cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in a piece of foil. Place it in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the oven by preheating it to 350°F, placing the salmon in the oiled air fryer, and then bake for about 5 minutes. You can also eat salmon cold and use it as a topping for a freshly chopped green salad or even in a sandwich or wrap.
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If you prefer to bake your salmon in the oven, preheat it to 425°F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This cooking time will give you a delicious result similar to the air fryer.
This air fryer salmon recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and healthy meal on the table. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a flavorful sauce that enhances the natural taste of the salmon.
Using lemon garlic butter with a touch of fresh parsley adds an extra layer of flavor, making this a standout choice for air fryer recipes. Try this recipe next time you’re looking for a new, delicious way to cook salmon to achieve juicy salmon with the best results every time.
Lemon Garlic Butter Air Fried Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 salmon filets
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves of garlic, or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Parsley (optional to finish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Mix to combine.
- Pat the salmon dry, then pour the lemon garlic butter sauce on top of the salmon filets.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
- Air fry the salmon at 390°F for 10 minutes until the salmon's internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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